Components

Abstract

A method and device structure are provided which enable an archive sample to be collected and detached relative to a device within which a series of processes, such as PCR are being provided. A chamber structure and method of use are provided in which a controlled and precise volume is obtained by control of the relative resistance to flow through various channels.

1 .- 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A microfluidic device, the microfluidic device having:
 a) an entry location for a biological sample for analysis;   b) a channel connected to the entry location;   c) a receiving location, the receiving location being connected to the channel;   wherein the receiving location is detachable from the microfluidic device;   wherein the receiving location is an integral part of the microfluidic device;   wherein the receiving location is in a section of the microfluidic device and an area or line of weakness is between the microfluidic device and the section; and   one or more processing locations between the entry location and the receiving location, wherein the one or more processing locations are channels and/or chambers and the processing locations include one or more of: a mixing location, a washing location, a selective separation location for DNA from one or more other material, an amplification process location, a location at which a magnetic field is applied and/or removed and/or varied, a cell lysis location, a surface based reaction location, a PCR reaction chamber connected to the receiving location.   
     
     
         14 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A microfluidic device according to  claim 13  in which the microfluidic device is provided with a first valve in the section for sealing the channel between the receiving location and the part of the channel disrupted when the section is detached from the microfluidic device. 
     
     
         17 . A microfluidic device according to  claim 13  in which the microfluidic device is provided with a second valve not on the section for sealing the channel between the part of the channel disrupted when the section is detached from the microfluidic device and the remainder of the microfluidic device. 
     
     
         18 . A microfluidic device according to  claim 13  in which the receiving location has an inlet in the top of the receiving location, the microfluidic device having an orientation of use, and the receiving location has an outlet in the top of the receiving location. 
     
     
         19 . A microfluidic device according to  claim 13  in which the section is provided with an identifier. 
     
     
         20 . A microfluidic device according to  claim 19  in which the identifier has the same identifier information or includes the same identifier information as an identifier provided on the remainder of the microfluidic device. 
     
     
         21 .- 50 . (canceled)